Also included was Colombia's attacking midfielder James Rodriguez, widely considered to be the revelation of the tournament and top scorer so far with six goals in his team's run to the quarter-final where they were beaten by Brazil.

The other two players short-listed were Dutch forward Arjen Robben, who tormented defences throughout and scored three in the Netherlands' progress to the semi-final, and Brazil's Neymar, who played superbly and bagged four goals before being injured.

The list was drawn up by the members of FIFA’s Technical Study Group, which watched every match at the ongoing tournament in Brazil.

Uruguay striker Diego Forlan was named best player of the South African tournament four years ago.

Up for the 'Golden Glove' award for best goalkeeper are Germany's Manuel Neuer, Argentina's Sergio Romero and Costa Rica's Keylor Navas, who underpinned the Central Americans' fairy-tale run into a first ever World Cup quarter-final.

The award for best young player is between France's Paul Pogba and Raphael Varane, and the Netherlands' Memphis Depay.

Appearing in alphabetical order, are the ten contenders for the prestigious 'Golden Ball', with an assessment from FIFA:

Angel Di Maria (Argentina)

In providing Lionel Messi with the best possible support, Di Maria has led the Albicelesteattack with distinction, posing a constant menace to opposing defences with his long-range shooting, mazy dribbling and finishing skills, which he showcased with a well-taken winner against Switzerland in the Round of 16.

Mats Hummels (Germany)

The Borussia Dortmund centre-half has attracted much praise for his solid displays at the heart of the German defence. As if that were not enough, Hummels has also impressed at the other end of the pitch, rising high to score against Portugal in the group phase and head home the winner against France in the quarter-finals.

Toni Kroos (Germany)

Kroos ran the show as Die Mannschaft swept aside hosts Brazil 7-1 in the semi-finals, dominating the midfield and posing a constant threat with his passing and shooting, which brought him two goals - all in a day’s work for this most consistent of performers.

Philipp Lahm (Germany)

The Germany captain began the tournament in midfield before seamlessly making the switch to the right-back slot, without it undermining his performance levels or his considerable influence on Joachim Low’s side.

Javier Mascherano (Argentina)

Though their much-vaunted attack attracts most of the headlines, Argentina have also been solid in defence, a large part of the credit for which must go to Mascherano for his tireless work in providing the Albiceleste rearguard with essential protection.

Lionel Messi (Argentina)

Messi had never scored at the world finals prior to Brazil 2014, a record he emphatically set straight with some lethal finishing in each of Argentina’s three group matches. Though yet to find the back of the net in the knockout rounds, he has remained an influential figure for his side.

Thomas Mueller (Germany)

In opening his campaign with a hat-trick against Portugal, Mueller picked up where he left off at South Africa 2010, where he collected the adidas Golden Boot. His performances since have underlined his status as the spearhead of Germany’s deadly front line.

Neymar (Brazil)

Though only 22, the livewire forward ably shouldered the huge responsibility of leading a Seleção. Neymar was his side’s stand-out performer with four goals before an unfortunate injury ended his tournament in the quarter-finals.

James Rodriguez (Colombia)

Recognised as a huge talent heading into the competition, the gifted Rodriguez has since proved his ability to rise to the big occasion. His haul of six goals in five outings was a major reason why Los Cafeteros broke new ground in reaching the last eight for the first time.

The winners of the adidas Golden Ball, Silver Ball and Bronze Ball will all be announced after Sunday's final.